Biblical Edification

The power of God demonstrated through weakness

1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
– 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (KJV)

The strength of the believer in Jesus is found not through human ability or powers of persuasion but is found in weakness.

For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.
– 2 Corinthians 13:4 (KJV)

When Jesus came to this world, He operated in the power of God but not through his nature as God. Jesus operated according to human rules regarding signs, wonders, and miracles. Though as Divine he could have healed all the sick in His hometown of Nazareth. However, due to the unbelief there, he could only heal a few sick people. Jesus Christ is the example of the power of God that comes through weakness in fasting, in humility, sufferings, and faithfulness to go to the cross.

For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
– 2 Corinthians 13:9 (KJV)

Paul used his weakness to strengthen others.

For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.
– 2 Corinthians 10:10-11 (KJV)

Consider the example of the apostle Paul as he desired the Corinthian Christians to imitate. God was mighty with Paul since Paul sought not trust in His own ability but in God’s ability. When a believer in Jesus demonstates his weaknesses, God’s strength is demonstrated more. Such is like Samson, who though he looked like any other man in appearance of strength, displayed supernatural strength wherein people could not tell where his great strength came from.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
– 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (KJV)

Do not take credit for what you do in the Lord. Give all the glory to God both in word and in deed. More than that, let your conduct demonstrate that what God does through you, He really does and is not you. Do not even quietly let people glorify you.

26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
– 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (KJV)

Whose approval do you seek? Who do you desire to look good to? Men or God?

Do we conform ourselves to the image of God or do we project a worldly appealing image of ourselves? For the power of God to abide with us, we must allow ourselves to be transparent with our weaknesses and things that may not particularly make us look good to people.

Philippians 2:13 says, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

Let God work through you. Rely on His Holy Spirit through His Son Jesus to be your strength.